It was among those Anglo-Saxon tribes that once ruled over Britain that the name Higdand was formed. The name was derived from the son of Richard. In Old English, patronyms were formed by adding a variety of suffixes to personal names, which changed over time and from place to place. For example, after the Norman Conquest, sunu and sune, which meant son, were the most common patronymic suffixes. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the most common patronymic names included the word filius, which meant son. By the 14th century, the suffix son had replaced these earlier versions. Surnames that were formed with filius or son were more common in the north of England and it was here that the number of individuals without surnames was greatest at this time.

Higdand Early Origins

The surname Higdand was first found in Worcestershire, but one of the first records of the name was found in Cheshire where Ranulf Higdon (Higden) (1280-1364), was an English chronicler and Benedictine monk of the monastery of St. Werburgh. His birth location was unknown but believed to be in the west of England. He is best remembered as the author of Polychronicon a long chronicle written in Latin which became very popular in the 15th century after it was translated into English in the late 14th century.

Higdand Spelling Variations

Higdand Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Higdand include Higdon, Higden, Hygdon, Hygden and others.

Higdand Early History

Higdand Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Higdand research. Another 217 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1379, 1364 and 1715 are included under the topic Early Higdand History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Higdand Early Notables (pre 1700)

Higdand Early Notables (pre 1700)

Another 17 words (1 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Higdand Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Higdand were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Peter Higdon, who sailed to Massachusetts in 1635; Thomas Higden to Maryland in 1721; Benjamin Higdens settled at Trinity Bay Newfoundland in 1765; and George Higdon at Trinity Bay in 1831..

The Higdand Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Higdand Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.